He has successfully prosecuted and defended numerous cases through trial and appeal. He assists insurers in recovery and coverage, including bad faith and fraud, and also represents their insureds in claims involving vessel repairs, marina liability, property damage and personal injuries. Mr. Cummins also assists manufacturers with product liability claims at all stages of litigation, from pre-suit through trial.

Mr. Cummins regularly advises and assists clients with negotiating and drafting contracts, including charter parties (voyage, time, and bare boat), towage, purchase and sale agreements (including both vessel and Project Cargo transactions), transportation, and those involving landside issues. He also assists clients in resolving commercial disputes, including those involving international business and maritime transactions, and possesses experience with assisting both U.S. and Foreign based clients with prosecuting and defending commercial claims.

He has spoken before many organizations, including the San Francisco Marine Claims Association, Marine Insurance Association of Seattle, Association of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco, and the Inland Marine Underwriters Association. His more recent presentations included the following topics: “The Unsettled Work of Broker Liability” (IMUA, 2018); “Federal Preemption: Claims Against Ocean and Inland Intermediaries” (Pacific Admiralty Seminar, 2017); “Navigating Insurance Claims Flowing From the Hanjin Bankruptcy” (AMUSF, 2017) and “War Risk Insurance” (MIAS Day of Education, 2017).

Memberships

California State Bar
Association of Marine Underwriters of San Francisco
Maritime Law Association of the United States

Educational Background

Mr. Cummins graduated from University of California Hastings College of Law in 1996. While at Hastings, in addition to being a member of the Hastings Law Journal, he clerked for the Honorable Carlos Bea of the San Francisco Superior Court, who is now a Circuit Judge for the United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit. Prior to Hastings, Mr. Cummins obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance (summa cum laude) from Golden Gate University in 1985.